Carlos is a seasoned fund development professional and a dedicated advocate for racial equity, known for his expertise in fostering inclusive philanthropy and building sustainable fundraising practices. His career has centered on aligning values and interests between people and the causes they care about. He excels at establishing long-term fundraising strategies within organizations and is a leader in the sector’s efforts to make the fundraising profession more diverse and inclusive.
He brings his strengths in relationship management, communication, and analysis to his role as Director of Individual Giving at the Latino Policy Forum. Joining the Forum in 2024 as the first to hold this role, Carlos is spearheading efforts to build a comprehensive fundraising model, a strategic initiative to bolster the organization’s mission and long-term impact. By managing and enhancing individual giving through innovative fundraising campaigns and donor engagement opportunities, Carlos is expanding the Forum’s reach to advance equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latine community.
Carlos’s journey in the nonprofit sector began during his time at DePaul University, where he gained valuable experience through multiple internships at various organizations, igniting his passion for social impact. Over the years, he has established himself as a dedicated leader in the fundraising profession, committed to advancing the field and supporting the growth of others. Building on his extensive professional experience, Carlos earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in December 2022, underscoring his dedication to excellence and ethical practices in fundraising. This credential reflects his expertise and unwavering commitment to elevating his profession and empowering the next generation of philanthropic leaders.
Carlos has been deeply involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2012, joining the AFP Chicago Board of Directors in 2019. As a Board member, he launched the chapter’s Latinx Affinity Group in 2020 to address the need for stronger representation and community among Latine professionals. Since its inception, the group has supported Latine fundraisers in the region, cultivating collaboration and elevating the contributions of underrepresented professionals in the sector. In 2024, Carlos served as President of AFP Chicago, championing inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) principles, and helping to shape the future of fundraising while fostering a vibrant and inclusive professional community.
A lifelong Chicagoan raised on the city’s southwest side, Carlos finds strength in his community’s resilience and diversity, which fuel his commitment to equity and inclusion. In his free time, Carlos enjoys traveling and hiking, exploring new landscapes and cultures that inspire his advocacy work and creativity. Through his leadership and advocacy, Carlos remains focused on building a nonprofit sector where diverse voices drive meaningful social change, ensuring fundraising and philanthropy serve as catalysts for equity and innovation.